The Verizon SmartHub is a plain white box. On the back is a phone jack and ethernet jack, and on top is a simple status screen.

Verizon today announced the SmartHub - a box designed to use a cellular connection to provide residential home internet, a "landline" phone jack, and smart home control of lights, thermostats, and locks.

"SmartHub is a wireless, smart home solution that manages your connected home devices, provides reliable, high-speed internet powered by America's Largest and Most Reliable 4G LTEnetwork, and home phone service with HD Voice, all in one elegant device.

You can use SmartHub as your primary source for internet and phone service at home or when you travel."

With a built in battery and an ethernet port - is the SmartHub actually a viable "primary source for internet" for those living a mobile lifestyle?

We've dug up the details - and discovered the major downside that makes the SmartHub decidedly dumb.

Video Version of this Article:

SmartHub & Unlimited Data

Verizon's Unlimited data plans come with a lot of hidden limits, particularly for those who need a lot of tethering data.

The Verizon SmartHub ordering page defaults to a paltry 4GB data plan, but it offers an Unlimited option for $130/mo ($110/mo + $20/mo line access charge), or you can add the SmartHub onto an existing Verizon Unlimited Plan for the same $20/mo that Verizon charges to add a traditional hotspot.

But just how "Unlimited" is data on the SmartHub?

Are the data speeds limited to slow 3G after 10GB (like Verizon Jetpack hotspots), or is the SmartHub only subject to the much less painful "network management" after 22GB like Verizon phone and tablet lines?

The SmartHub ordering page teases with an unlimited offer, saying:

"Depending on network congestions, after 22GB of usage your speed could be reduced. Learn more."

The SmartHub is a router, so is it actually subject to the 10GB limit?

We reached out to Verizon's media relations team to confirm the details.

Verizon spokesperson George Koroneos responded to give us the bad news:

"The SmartHub is available on Verizon unlimited and is subject to the same 10GB limit as the Jetpack. That said, we recommend the single-line options for people looking for more data. Plans start at 10GB for $60/mo for data only or data and voice for $80/mo. Plans go all the way up to 40GB."

In other words - this is NOT a viable home internet replacement. A 40GB SmartHub plan goes for $150/month!

Nice try Verizon, you almost got us excited.

Other SmartHub Disappointments

Even aside from the lack of useably unlimited data options, the SmartHub is a rather limited hotspot. It only supports Verizon LTE bands 4 & 13, and it has no support for LTE Band 2 or Band 5 or Band 66.

It also has no support for falling back to 3G coverage in places where Verizon 4G/LTE is lacking.

Grandfathered Verizon Unlimited Plans Remain

Yes, it is still possible to get a grandfathered Verizon unlimited data plan without these new restrictions. But things are getting a LOT trickier! We keep our guide to how to do it updated regularly.

The classic grandfathered Verizon UDP lines remain (for now) truly unlimited - and these plans are still the best way to get unlimited tethering data on Verizon's network.

These legacy plans are NOT subject to tethering limits, or even to the 22GB "Network Management" slowdown on congested towers.

For those who need a lot of tethering data - there is no better Verizon option out there.

As best we can tell - these grandfathered plans without any of these new limitations will continue to be honored - IF they are still under contract.

Other Unlimited Tethering Options

We know how critical unlimited data plans are for RVers, so we strive to keep this guide always up to date with ALL the latest options.

Verizon has made things increasingly difficult - but other carriers have actually recently made unlimited tethering much easier. Here's some of the current best options:

AT&T's new Unlimited Plus plan allows you to add mobile hotspot lines for as little as $20/mo (if you only have one smartphone line, the addition of a hotspot line switches the plan to a multi line account for a minimum price of $145/month) - and while these lines are subject to network management after 22GB, they are NOT subject to any throttling or hard caps on usage.

Related

Chris has been a full-time technomad since 2006, and currently splitting time exploring North America by boat and RV with his partner Cherie.
A lifelong geek, he was one of the founding editors of 'boot Magazine' (still going strong as 'Maximum PC'), and before hitting the road full time he was the Director of Competitive Analysis for mobile technology pioneers Palm & PalmSource.
Keeping up on mobile technology is a passion for him. Chris is one part of Technomadia (view their personal Mobile Internet Setup) and co-founder/host of the Mobile Internet Resource Center.

Members, Please Log In to Comment on this Article.

RVMobileInternet.com is a Member Supported Resource

Appreciate content like this article? It is brought to you by the generosity of our premium members - who fund the creation of our content. There is no way we could not put this much time & attention on this topic without their support, and we are so grateful.

About Us

The Mobile Internet Resource Center is brought to you by Two Steps Beyond LLC, and hosted by the technomads of:

Mission Statement

We offer unbiased mobile internet information specifically for US based RVers and Cruisers. We research the options, share our personal & professional experience and analyze industry news... so you can focus on what drives you.

This resource center is brought to you with the support of our nomadic community and funded primairly by our premium members.